[High risk of suicide among psychiatric patients]

Suicide rates in Denmark have declined since 1980 both in the general population and among psychiatric patients. In recent years, the number of suicides in Denmark has been rather stable with approximately 650 incidents each year. Register-based studies indicate that half of those who commit suicide have had at least one psychiatric admission in the past, and the risk of suicide is approximately twentyfold increased in psychiatric patients compared to the risk in the general population with only a modest variation across diagnoses. The most important risk factor for suicide among psychiatric patients is previous suicide attempt. A crisis plan developed together with the patient can be helpful. Regular screening for risk of suicide should be implemented in psychiatric services.